The company’s annual report for the year ended June 2020, reveals Arco reported sales of £320m, up 13 per cent year on year.

Following the outbreak of the pandemic, Arco said it focused its resources on supporting key sectors and customers, frontline workers and critical industries, enabling them to continue to operate safely.

In a statement, Arco said: “The logistics capability needed to support this was made possible through Arco’s ongoing investment programme and the opening of the extension to its national distribution centre in Hull.

“This meant the business could increase its stock holding and distribution network at a critical time.

“With support from the Arco team in Xiamen, China and its extensive expertise and in-house product testing facility, Arco was able to ensure supply and the highest quality and ethical standards were maintained.”

David Evison, the managing director of Arco, said: “Despite another year of challenging trading conditions, I am immensely proud of our colleagues and how we, together, have responded with commitment and flexibility to support our customers.

“At the start of the pandemic, with many of our traditional customers in lockdown themselves and unable to operate, we geared up our business swiftly and efficiently to deal with the response.

“Our investment programme proved timely with our expanded distribution facilities coming online as the pandemic broke, enabling us to source, stock and distribute unprecedented quantities of compliant PPE to keep essential workers safe.”

Mr Evison added: “The outlook remains uncertain as the country faces recession, growing uncertainty over Brexit and the continuing impact of the pandemic.

“However, we are well positioned to navigate through these challenges, as we have done many times in our 136-year history.

“Our position as experts in safety has never been stronger as we continue to campaign on critical issues.”

Support The Fond News and become a subscriber today. Your subscription will help us to continue to bring quality news to the people of US. In return, you’ll see fewer ads on site, get free access to our app and receive exclusive members-only offers. Click here to subscribe.